Cherry Hill, NJ - Bridget Sipera Charged with Sexually Assaulting a Student While Teaching at Camden Catholic High School

Teacher at Camden Catholic High School Arrested on Charges of Sexually Assaulting a Student

A teacher at Camden Catholic High School has been charged with sexually assaulting a 17-year old student between January 2019 and March 2020.

36-year-old Bridget Sipera has reportedly admitted to sexually assaulting the teen according to CBS Philly The victim was Sipera's student during the time the assaults allegedly occurred. The victim first told police about the assaults earlier this month. They claimed that there have been about 60 sexual encounters between them and Sipera, taking place in multiple locations across Cherry Hill including in a car and multiple different homes.

Sipera faces multiple charges including second-degree sexual assault, second-degree endangering the welfare of a child; she also faces the same charges for crimes that allegedly occurred in Glouchester Township.

Sipera is currently awaiting her first court appearance at Camden County Correctional Facility. Detectives have indicated that she could face more charges as their investigation progresses.

Can Victims of Sexual Abuse Sue the School?

Attorney Commentator Brian Kent has represented multiple victims who have suffered sex abuse at schools. Using his experience from these lawsuits, Brian Kent offered us the following comments on whether victims have grounds for a civil lawsuit:

"Sexual predators often seek employment at schools as teachers or coaches to give them easy access to potential targets. Schools have a legal obligation to protect their students from this risk and to take reasonable measures to prevent sexual predators. If schools haven't done everything they can, then they may be held liable for negligence."

"For example, if there have been multiple sexual assault allegations against a teacher and the school didn't take proper measures such as investigating the teacher, the school may be liable for unlawful sexual acts that teacher commits. Some assaults may be prevented if schools take proper safety measures. Victims and their families should consider whether schools could have taken action to prevent an assault. If the answer is yes then they may have grounds for a civil lawsuit.

Sources:

https://6abc.com/camden-catholic-teacher-sex-assault-cherry-hill-new-jersey-bridget-sipera/6391338/

https://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2020/08/27/bridget-sipera-camden-catholic-high-school-teacher-charged-with-sexual-assault-of-teen-student/